City Releases Massive Plan To Overhaul Bushwick Zoning Laws

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — Bushwick could see a massive rezoning that official hope will preserve affordable housing in the face of ongoing displacement and gentrification, according to a city report released Wednesday.

The Bushwick Neighborhood Plan Update, released by the Department of City Planning, outlines a massive rezoning initiative which includes new affordable housing developments, stricter zoning laws to curtail development and landmarking initiatives to preserve historic areas, the agency announced.

“We are determined to preserve and create affordable housing, protect tenants, help grow more good jobs, improve parks, schools and sidewalks," said Department of City Planning director Marisa Lago. "We look forward to continuing to work with this dedicated, vibrant and strong community."

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The report details new zoning laws about 300 city blocks — between Broadway, Cypress Avenue, Flushing Avenue and Broadway Junction — which has seen a 15% population increase since 2000 and where more than half of residents spending more half their income on rent, officials said.

The proposal rectifies current Bushwick zoning laws that do not require new developments include affordable housing and includes plans to build 00% affordable housing developments on city- and publicly-owned land, according to the report.

The plan also creates transit corridors along Broadway, Myrtle and Wyckoff avenues where new developments will be required to include affordable housing units, community and commercial spaces.

Knickerbocker, Central, and Wilson avenues will be designated as neighborhood corridors where new developments must maintain a medium density and include mixed income housing.

Side streets and small corridors, which constitute about 70% of the neighborhood, would be rezoned to limit buildings heights and require new buildings line up with those next to them,

And in industrial areas — such as the land directly west of the Evergreens Cemetery and two triangular plots east of Flushing Avenue — zoning laws will lower parking requirements, increase allowed floor space and establish heigh limits.

City council members Antonio Reynoso and Rafael Espinal launched the rezoning efforts in 2014 when they presented the City Planning Commission with a Bushwick Community Plan, which was based on feedback from local residents.

But when the DCP presented their update on the plan — which has been adapted after more than 150 community meetings — locals expressed mistrust that it could accomplish what officials promised, Brownstoner reported.

“You’re five years too late,” Community Board 4 vice chair Martha Brown reportedly said. “This affordable housing you’re speaking of is a dream.”

The public will be able to comment on the plans at the May 14 Community Board meeting and at a scoping meeting, slated to take place later this spring.

Read the full report here.